In the United States, about 100 people die in car crashes every day. It probably isn’t a surprise that distracted driving is the top reason for these fatalities. While “distracted driving” is connected to many behaviors, the greatest threat to drivers today is cell phones. Regardless of hands-free devices, using a cell phone while driving is still considered to be a form of distracted driving.
It’s easy to assume you’re choosing a safer option by using a hands-free device. After all, it must be safer to drive your car when you’re not texting or looking at your phone screen. Unfortunately, using a hands-free device is equally dangerous when driving a motor vehicle. Here’s why:
Our Favorite Distraction
The key issue is that using a cell phone is distracting. It doesn’t matter if you are texting, checking directions, or having a conversation. Despite misconceptions, using a hands-free device can sometimes be more dangerous to drivers because the distraction is ongoing. When you have a conversation with someone, you instinctively give them your full and immediate attention. Your focus is on your conversation instead of the potential dangers around you. When you use a hands-free device to have a conversation while driving, your ability to process moving images decreases, and you can overlook up to 50% of your surroundings. Because of your conversation, you may miss a nearby car changing lanes or someone who is speeding behind you.
Legal Representation
If you’ve been injured in a car collision due to the negligence of a distracted driver, contact Attorney Michael J. Doyle. Our car accident attorney can assist you in filing your claim and investigating the cause of the accident. At Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law, we want to help you pursue maximum compensation to alleviate your financial and medical burdens.
Contact Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law at (505) 219-2176 to schedule a free case evaluation.